Rushden Research Group: R. Tarry and Co. Ltd.

R. Tarry and Co. Ltd.

Rushden Echo, 3rd June 1927, transcribed by Kay Collins

Gimson Factory to Open—Work will soon begin, it is hoped, at the premises formerly the Gimson Shoe Machinery Company’s works, College-street, in the manufacture of boots and shoes, a company having been formed with Mr Ralph Tarry as managing director. Mr Tarry has been associated with the Tecnic Boot Company.

Factory formerly Standard Rotary Machine Co. Ltd

The factory in College Street

The factory with Closing room - built 1961 - beyond

Rushden Echo, cJuly 1930

THE FIRST OUTING—Glorious weather favoured the employees of Messrs. R. Tarry and Co. Ltd., boot manufacturers, Rushden, on the occasion of the firm's first annual outing on Saturday. The party, numbering 160 (including friends) left Rushden at 7 a.m., journeying in five saloon 'buses, the route being via Spalding where a stay was made for an hour. On arrival at their destination, Skegness, at 11.15, the party broke up until 1 p.m., when all met at the "Casino'' for lunch, provided by the generosity of the firm. After lunch Mr. Thompson proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. H. D. Dudley for so ably discharging the arrangements in connection with the outing. This was seconded by Mr. Wood, who also apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mr. R. Tarry. During the afternoon and evening the various amusements were enjoyed, tea being left to all as fancy dictated. At 8 p.m. the return journey was begun, a halt being made at Boston for some time, Rushden was reached at 2 a.m. on Sunday, everyone voting the affair a great success. Messrs. Abbott, Clarke, Hales, Prickett and Simmonds were in charge of the 'buses on behalf of the party.

Advert with trade mark "Terry Shoes"

1940 card to Wm Lockie for a machinery repair

The Rushden Echo, 3rd November 1961, transcribed by Jim Hollis

Expansion go-ahead at factory

The new unit - picture taken in 2007

A seven-year wait for development has ended for the Rushden shoe factory of R. Tarry and Co. Ltd. At last it has received approval for plans for a new closing factory and offices in Duck Street.

It was seven years ago that the firm started to think about expanding, and having a new building on nearby land. But acquiring a site and having plans passed by the planning authorities sometimes can be a very long and complicated business.

Final approval of plans was given by Rushden Urban Council last week, and a demolition team moved in to pull down a house on the site and leave the area clear for building.

Orders

The new factory is expected to be opened in about nine months’ time, and it is estimated that between 70 and 100 girls will be employed there.

Meanwhile the firm is continuing with home and export orders in its existing premises and receiving plenty of business.

On Friday a thousand pairs of shoes were despatched to the West Indies. Of the higher grades, with barrelled heels so popular with the West Indians, they are going mainly to San Fernando, Port of Spain.

c1983 - Demolition - Tarry's in the foreground and
Eaton's behind showing the roof timbers.